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This cocooning bedroom is cosy and welcoming. The walls are painted in Resene Cement with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium over the top in Resene Doeskin. The floor is painted in Resene Cement, bedside table in Resene Sandal, desk, vase and art frame in Resene Doeskin, chair in Resene Quarter Doeskin, mirror and tray in Resene Half Doeskin and tealight candle holder and DIY terracotta vase in Resene Sandtex Mediterranean effect in Resene Sandal. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
Create an elegant and inviting living room with Resene Wallpaper Collection L85604 and your favourite accented hues.
This modern living room is painted in Resene Coast, a stark coastal blue, complemented by a black fireplace, timber and an elegant burst of gold on décor. Project by Stacey Gillies, image by Jackie Meiring.
The dark shades of Resene Ironsand and Resene Half Bokara Grey are the perfect backdrop for colourful artwork and décor in this home. The stone flooring and wooden furniture also add a grounded feel to this delightfully moody hallway. Project by Atlas Architects, image by Tess Kelly.
For a nature-inspired design that’s not so green, opt for earthy browns, like the tones in Resene Wallpaper Collection 10370-48 and the décor in this room.
Join the dark side… of home design!
Dark interior palettes can be downright transformative in home design and have become increasingly popular over the years. They can add depth, elegance and a sense of sophistication all on their own and are especially cosy in winter. Once you know how to balance light and texture, these rich colours become inviting, rather than overwhelming. You might like to start with one dramatic feature wall, or perhaps go all in with a colour drenching technique. Whatever you choose, Resene’s versatile range of bold hues makes it easy to embrace the moody look and still keep things warm, layered and most importantly, liveable.
Moody mocha
This cocooning bedroom is cosy and welcoming. The walls are painted in Resene Cement with Resene FX Paint Effects Medium over the top in Resene Doeskin. The floor is painted in Resene Cement, bedside table in Resene Sandal, desk, vase and art frame in Resene Doeskin, chair in Resene Quarter Doeskin, mirror and tray in Resene Half Doeskin and tealight candle holder and DIY terracotta vase in Resene Sandtex Mediterranean effect in Resene Sandal. Project by Vanessa Nouwens, image by Bryce Carleton.
This space proves that dark colours don’t have to feel heavy, or scary! Soft browns and muted clay tones give this bedroom a cocooning quality that feels both calming and chic. The layered finishes, natural textures and tonal furniture make the most of the palette without letting it get too flat. To recreate this look, think about pairing deep toned walls in Resene Spice and Resene Gargoyle with complementary hues like Resene Half Biscotti and Resene Ebb, along with tactile pieces like ceramics, wood and soft linen.
Tempting teal
Create an elegant and inviting living room with Resene Wallpaper Collection L85604 and your favourite accented hues.
This tasteful lounge is all about contrast and cohesion. The deep emerald-meets-teal tone in Resene Wallpaper Collection L85604 brings a soft, velvety texture to the walls, adding richness without overwhelming the room. Pair this design with plush furniture and glistening gold accents for a space that feels elegant yet inviting. Think about adding movement and interest in your dark space with curved shapes, velvet fabrics and a touch of greenery to soften the overall mood. Elevate this look with furniture painted in Resene FX Metallic Gold, flooring in Resene Colorwood Natural and accessories in Resene Deep Teal and Resene Nero.
Bold blue
This modern living room is painted in Resene Coast, a stark coastal blue, complemented by a black fireplace, timber and an elegant burst of gold on décor. Project by Stacey Gillies, image by Jackie Meiring.
A deep slate blue sets the tone in this modern living space, especially with the stunning panelled walls, giving it a contemporary edge but also a sense of calm. Darker blues work beautifully in rooms with natural light, where their richness feels grounding rather than gloomy. Touches of sleek black, gold and dark wooden furniture elevate the overall mood here and stop the space from feeling too cold. If you’re aiming for a similar style, choose a hero wall colour like Resene Coast (featured) or Resene Rhino, paired with a dark wood stain like Resene Colorwood Mahogany and accented with Resene Blackjack.
Statement the way
The dark shades of Resene Ironsand and Resene Half Bokara Grey are the perfect backdrop for colourful artwork and décor in this home. The stone flooring and wooden furniture also add a grounded feel to this delightfully moody hallway. Project by Atlas Architects, image by Tess Kelly.
Dark designs don’t always have to mean black, or monochrome, but they do pack a punch. Black, deep charcoal and brown act as the perfect canvas for a modern home and sculptural décor. The natural stone floor and low-profile furniture help anchor the space, while the wall colour keeps things refined and cohesive. This is a great example of how darker neutrals can let your personality shine through. They also make everything you put against them pop just that little bit more.
To create your own moody magic, try one, or a mix of, Resene Half Ironsand, Resene Triple Dune, Resene Bokara Grey and Resene Colorwood English Walnut wood stain.
Shades of grounded
For a nature-inspired design that’s not so green, opt for earthy browns, like the tones in Resene Wallpaper Collection 10370-48 and the décor in this room.
A little pattern goes a long way, especially when it’s this bold. The deep walnut tones and 3D design of Resene Wallpaper Collection 10370-48 make a statement and add warmth and character to a room. The layered textures and materials in similar tones tie everything together, creating a space that feels grounded and timeless. Opt for earthy browns like Resene Irish Coffee and Resene Milk Chocolate, used alongside wood stains like Resene Colorwood Walnut and Resene Colorwood Matai.
Top tips for darker tones:
- Try a low sheen finish like Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or a matte finish like Resene SpaceCote Flat for walls. This helps absorb light and adds to the moody aesthetic.
- In smaller or lower-light rooms, consider painting trims and ceilings the same colour as the walls or just a tone or two lighter. It can make the space feel more cohesive, taller and less ‘boxed in’.
- Test your colours first with Resene testpots or Resene A4 drawdown paint swatches and move them around multiple walls to see how they shift with light throughout the day.
If you want to check out your favourite dark colours in person head to your local Resene ColorShop or reseller today, or for more advice book a consultation with a Resene Colour Expert or Ask a Resene Colour Expert online for free. And don’t forget to follow us on habitat by Resene on Instagram for fresh inspiration!
Published: 05 Aug 2025
Do you have a home full of wonderful Resene paint and colour? Send us some snaps by emailing [email protected].
Resene Quarter Doeskin
Resene Half Biscotti
Resene Half Bokara Grey
Resene Half Ironsand
Resene Milk Chocolate
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
Resene Quarter Doeskin
Resene Half Biscotti
Resene Half Bokara Grey
Resene Half Ironsand
Resene Milk Chocolate
the look
If you're stuck on what
colour to use or need colour
advice, try out the Resene
Ask a Colour Expert service.
